2016 HF Propagation Update

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Steve Nichols, G0KYA, the Chairman of the RSGB's Propagation Studies Committee, has updated his hourly UK HF Propagation Predictions maps for the rest of 2016.

The new charts take into account the latest smoothed sunspot numbers from NOAA/NGDC.

Steve’s group have seen a steady decline in sunspot activity from the peak of solar cycle 24. Since a high of 164 in May 2015, the current solar flux is well under 100.

Adding to the effects are plasma from solar coronal holes, created by the sun's open magnetic field allowing plasma to escape.

This increased K index is usually a sign of poor HF conditions, with noisy bands and depressed maximum usable frequencies. Any path over the poles is also badly affected. This can also lead to aurora, which while not being visible in the summer, can lead to openings on VHF.

Updated Propagaion Charts - http://g0kya.blogspot.co.uk

HF Propagation Prediction Tool -  http://www.predtest.uk

Ham Radio Band for Wi-Fi

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Ofcom is consulting on plans to put Wi-Fi across Amateur and Amateur Satellite spectrum in the 5 GHz band 

The Ofcom consultation document implies that amateur satellites in 5 GHz only operate in very Low Earth Orbits. This is false, radio amateurs have sent 5 GHz payloads into far higher orbits. Examples are the Venus orbiter Unitec-1 which operated on 5.840 MHz and AO-40 which is in a 58,836 km High Earth Orbit (HEO). The 5 GHz band will also be used by the Geosynchronous Phase-4B payload and the HEO Phase-3E satellite both of which are currently under construction. 

Ofcom's proposal to use 5725-5850 MHz for Wi-Fi would adversely affect reception of the network of amateur weak-signal propagation beacons.

In Ofcom’s press release, Ofcom state that there is pressure on the band usage caused by the need to deliver faster broadband services.

The standard 2.4Ghz band of Wi-Fi radios is very congested, hence the need to expand into the 5Ghz range, supported by newer broadband routers.

To make connections faster, Ofcom is proposing to open up an additional ‘sub-band’ within the 5 GHz frequency range for Wi-Fi – while ensuring protection for other users, such as satellite services.

The extra sub-band would increase the number of 80 MHz channels available for Wi-Fi from four to six, to accommodate data-hungry applications. These extra channels – which are already being used in the United States – could be opened up in around two to three years.

The consultation closes on 22nd July 2016.

Ofcom 5 GHz consultation - http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/5-GHz-Wi-Fi/

The UK Microwave Group loans equipment to get amateurs started on 5.7 GHz - 
http://www.microwavers.org/6cm-loan-system.htm

Easier Ham Radio Authorization for Olympics

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To cover the Olympics, during the month of August and September, non-Brazilian Amateur / Ham Radio operators will be able to operate in Brazil, regardless of a reciprocal agreement.

An agreement has been reached with ANATEL, the Brazilian Telecommunications regulator, to allow operations without a fee.

To operate, you must gain authorisation from LABRE, the local society, to gain this, the following must be provided

  • A copy of a valid passport (identification pages)
  • A copy of the applicant's Amateur Radio license
  • A list of cities in which the radio amateur plans to operate and the respective dates
  • An e-mail address

More Information - http://www.arrl.org/news/brazil-eases-authorization-for-radio-amateurs-attending-the-2016-summer-olympics